The only colder August was in 1951, with an average maximum of 14.1 degrees.

Forecaster Allan Beattie says August last year was among the hottest on record.

"I think we had a maximum of 30.4 late last year, so it's certainly been a big change from what was a fairly hot end to last August to having a fairly cool August this year with a maximum which has been about two degrees below average," he said.

Adelaide recorded 85 millimetres of rain for August, nearly 20mm above average, but winter rainfall overall was below the average of 222mm.

"For winter we normally expect for those three months about 222mm but we in fact had about 188mm and it looks like we were about 35 millimetres below average," Mr Beattie said.

Dry outlook

The weather bureau is warning farmers not to expect above-average August rainfall to continue into spring.

Mr Beattie says below-average rainfall is more likely in the months ahead.

"The long-term outlook is for a slightly higher chance of below-average rainfall than above average," he said.

South Australia's higher rainfall recordings for August included Oodnadatta in the far north with 35 millimetres - more than four times its average - and Milang in the lower lakes region with 88 millimetres - nearly twice its average.

Port Lincoln recorded 92 millimetres - 23 above its average - but, in the Riverland, Berri had just 11 millimetres, less than half its August average.